Mushing

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod pioneer Rod Perry for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about the origins of the race, the history of the Iditarod Trail, and the future of dog mushing.
Perry reflects on his involvement in the early days of the Iditarod, including helping shape race rules, designing the iconic finisher’s patch, and contributing to the founding of the Yukon Quest alongside Leroy Shank. He also shares firsthand stories from life on the trail, including remote expeditions, trail navigation challenges, and the evolution of sled dog racing over the past five decades.
The conversation explores a critical theme: the true purpose behind the creation of the Iditarod, preserving sled dogs and their role in Alaska’s history, while addressing common misconceptions about the Serum Run. Perry also discusses his work as a historian and educator, engaging thousands of visitors each year and helping bridge the gap between past and present.
The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on the modern Iditarod, including the Expedition Class, changing race dynamics, and the challenge of maintaining storytelling, culture, and authenticity in an evolving sport.
Support our Work
Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share
Sign up for our Newsletter HERE
Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.
Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.
Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at [email protected]
Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram
You can contact us here: [email protected]

© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

This episode features a deep dive into the world of dog mushing, exploring the history, the sport's challenges, and the legacy of legendary mushers. We also profile Rhon Buser, a second-generation musher carrying forward a proud family tradition, and reflect on the significance of the Iditarod race.
Key Topics
History of dog mushing and the Iditarod
The bond between mushers and dogs
Rohn Buser's family legacy and career
Challenges faced during the race and trail conditions
Awards, honors, and milestones in sled dog racing

Support our Work
Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share
Sign up for our Newsletter HERE
Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.
Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.
Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at [email protected]
Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram
You can contact us here: [email protected]

© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the race has officially concluded, and attention turns to reflection, records, and what this year’s Iditarod tells us about the evolution of the sport. With all mushers off the trail, the focus shifts from competition to analysis ahead of the finisher’s banquet.
One of the key discussions centers around the Red Lantern finish time, comparing this year’s final finisher to historical benchmarks. The episode highlights how modern Red Lantern times now rival, or even surpass, those from decades past, underscoring the dramatic advancements in breeding, training, gear, and trail strategy.
Listeners also hear a musher profile of Brenda Mackey, whose career represents a deep multi-generational legacy in the sport, and a historical look back at Rick Swenson’s record-setting 1981 victory. These comparisons offer a powerful lens into how far the Iditarod has come over the past 40+ years.
The episode sets the stage for the finisher’s banquet while also inviting listeners to reflect on the race as a whole, from the front runners to the final finisher, and what it means for the future of dog mushing.
Support our Work
Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share
Sign up for our Newsletter HERE
Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.
Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.
Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at [email protected]
Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram
You can contact us here: [email protected]

© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially comes to a close as the final mushers arrive in Nome and the Red Lantern is awarded. Richie Beatty earns the Red Lantern, symbolizing perseverance and the completion of the thousand-mile journey across Alaska.
With the final teams crossing under the burled arch, the race shifts fully into celebration mode as mushers prepare for the finisher’s banquet. This year stands out with nearly all teams finishing before the banquet, a rare occurrence that highlights both favorable timing and strong performances across the field.
The episode also dives into the traditions that define the Iditarod, including the history of the burled arch finish line, the symbolic meaning of the Red Lantern, and the Widow’s Lamp that remains lit until the final musher completes the race.
Listeners also hear a musher profile of Hannah Lyrek, an international competitor with deep roots in sled dog racing, and a look back at historic races that shaped the sport, including the 1992 Hope Race to Russia.
Support our Work
Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share
Sign up for our Newsletter HERE
Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.
Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.
Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at [email protected]
Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram
You can contact us here: [email protected]

© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the race moves into its final phase with just a handful of mushers remaining on the trail as they prepare to leave White Mountain and complete the final miles to Nome. Weather conditions, including a developing storm, are affecting the timing and strategy of the remaining teams.
Jesse Terry is officially named Rookie of the Year after finishing in 14th place, completing the race in just under 11 days with a strong and steady performance. His run highlights the strength of this year’s rookie class, many of whom are still on the trail and finishing close together.
The episode also provides an update on the Expedition Class, including Steve Curtis’ decision to end his run due to deteriorating trail conditions and safety concerns. The discussion highlights an important leadership lesson: knowing when to prioritize team safety over moving forward.
Listeners also hear a musher profile of veteran competitor Jessie Royer and a discussion about the unusually high number of rookies finishing together, setting up a unique and potentially historic finish to this year’s race.
Support our Work
Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share
Sign up for our Newsletter HERE
Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.
Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.
Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at [email protected]
Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram
You can contact us here: [email protected]

© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved